Parks Plan - Background Information

Why does Greater Wellington have the Toitū Te Whenua Parks Network Plan?

As responsible managers of public land, it is essential that Greater Wellington has guidelines for current and future generations on how our parks are cared for, managed and used. By developing these plans through a process that involves the public, we can reach an agreement between Greater Wellington and the public on how these lands will be managed.

Portions of the parks are held under the Reserves Act. This legislation makes management plans a statutory requirement and sets out a process for their development and review.

Which parks are included in the Toitū Te Whenua Parks Network Plan?

The Toitū Te Whenua Parks Network Plan includes the following areas: Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, Belmont Regional Park, East Harbour Regional Park, Kaitoke Regional Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Akatarawa Forest, Pakuratahi Forest and the Wainuiomata Recreation Area.

The Hutt River Trail is managed by Greater Wellington’s Flood Protection team as part of the Hutt River Flood Management Plan and will not be included in the review.

Baring Head, Whitireia Park and Wairarapa Moana Wetlands Park are not included at this stage. Baring Head will be included as part of East Harbour Regional Park, in an amendment to the management plan. Management planning for Whitireia Park is yet to be discussed with the new board. Greater Wellington is working with a number of organisations including Department of Conservation, local iwi, Greater Wellington and other councils to develop a management regime for Wairarapa Moana Wetlands Park (lakes Wairarapa and Onoke).

I’m only interested in one park! Does the Toitū Te Whenua Parks Network Plan cover my park of interest?

Within the Toitū Te Whenua Parks Network Plan there are chapters which give details about each park and any park specific policies. These provide a further level of detail to the general policies in the plan. For understanding what you can or cannot do in a particular park, and the process for considering new activities in the park, refer to the section on rules for use and development.